A NEW DAWN OR ALICE DROPS IN

BY CHRISTOPHER TOILKIEN

Alice ushered her naked, shivering friends up out of the maze like dungeons below the cellars of the Manor. At the top of the main cellar stairs, four maids awaited them, white fluffy bathrobes ready.

"Please follow them to your rooms were a hot bath awaits, Alice informed them. I will have dinner sent up, or will you be able to make it for seven o'clock the dinning room?'

As they were all up to the late dinner date, Alice left them to her staff and walked off.

Tasha wondered if the two gray suited Commonwealth securities that tagged along after Alice were loyal to Alice or Terrisa?

Two hours later the phone in their rooms informed them dinner was ready. Opening their doors to find two Manor security outside. Tasha for one decided to play along for now, but if it meant being a prisoner in her own room, this would be her last night here.

At the top of the main stairs, the four we brought together, four guards proceeding, four more bringing up the rear. The glances they exchanged indicated a group apprehension of the events to come.

Two more guards opened a pair of wooden doors and ushered them inside. Tasha noting the guards did not follow them inside.

But inside there were surprises enough. A sumptuous banquet was set all the way down a long table set with gold utensils, plates and candelabra. But that was not the greatest surprise. Sitting at the head of the table was an older version of Alice. Behind her stood three ladies of approximately her own age. She stood as they entered and walked towards them, the three just a few feet behind.

"I am Alice's mother" she told them. The four stood their amaised at the resemblance between mother and daughter.

"The Commonwealth has succeeded it producing clones?" Mary finally said, more mater of factually than questioningly.

"Yes we Alice's are genetically manipulated creations" The senior Alice calmly replied. That is why we rairely are seen in the same place at the same time.

"Terrisa was a traitor and we have dealt with her faction, but unfortunately she escaped" The new Alice told them. That is why the exceptional level of security. Two Alice's in the same place at the same time doubles the numbers and intensity of the security service details.

Older Alice stepped right up to them. Tasha catching the flank coverage of her personal bodyguard and counter moved.

"Mary will now assume early that Castilan position she has been trained for, but will stay in contact with me at all times. Alice's mother said handing them all a skin colored earpiece. This will do until we have time to outfit you all with an internal one" The elder Alice explained rather matter of faculty.

"These are your chosen?" Tasha inquired. Eyes examining the three standing behind the senior Alice. Especially the one who maneuvered to the outside and appearing ready to get between them if necessary.

"Yes these are my best friends as you are to your Alice. Tragically my Mary took a bullet for me just days before I bore your Alice. That is why she is really is named Alice Mary. The elder Alice went on. This is Patricia, my personal assistant, Alexia, my personal chef, and Brenda my bodyguard"

The three nodded as they were introduced, and the two bodyguards sized each other up.

"Are we prisoners in a gilded cage as our Alice is?' Vicki asked.

"No, only we Alice's are" The older Alice replied, a sadness evident in her voice. As her arm indicated the walls around them. "You at least, may come and go as you please"

Patricia nodded and her group closed around the elder Alice.

"But we must be leaving. Your Alice is right now descending the stairs from our tower room. You must never tell her I am in England right now. She thinks her parents will not arrive until early September" Their Alice's mother asked them.

Then they turned and left the room by the far door.

A second later their Alice bounded into the room, her usual over charged self.

"Tasha I ordered everything I could think off as I did before. Please grab a plate and take everything you always wanted to try" She chatted exuberantly. Then I can tell you all about my latest adventure"

"Certainly dearest Alice" her four best friends replied in unison, smiling at each other.